Broadway theatre in Catford set to reopen next month
By Claudia Lee
The Broadway in Catford is set to reopen in February after major refurbishment.
The council has invested £7m in the building to ensure the London Borough of Culture legacy continues.
The theatre is part of the regeneration of Catford town centre and will provide a home for community projects and new writing.
Councillor James J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “We’re at the beginning of a new chapter and fresh new era for The Broadway and we cannot wait to welcome people back.”
The theatre closed in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, over the lockdown period the Council invested in improvements to modernise the building for its 21st century audience.
Its restoration was carried out by Rooff Construction and includes upgraded seating, a more contemporary bar area, improved access, facilities for those with restricted mobility and new digital signage at the front of the building.
The Broadway will play a central role in the legacy of Lewisham’s year as London Borough of Culture 2022 – providing an inclusive creative space to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together.
Award-winning theatre collective Nouveau Riche will be The Broadway’s new Associate Artists.
Nouveau Riche is a multi-award-winning creative movement, headed by a team of professional performing artists and producers whose work departs from traditional Western storytelling and experiments with unconventional methods.
Rayan Calais Cameron, Artistic Director of Nouveau Riche, said: “I’m from Catford and grew up with The Broadway on my doorstep.
“This is like a homecoming for me. I’ve always loved theatre but it didn’t seem like a career option for someone like me. There was a lack of representation back then.
“So, to have this local theatre championing work from Black artists was incredible – even if I couldn’t always afford to see the shows myself.”
Tickets are already on sale for the first shows to take to the newly renovated stage – including a Valentine’s Comedy Special on Sunday, February 12 and the award-winning Scummy Mummies who will be treading the boards later the same month.
Residents are encouraged to support the theatre’s vital work by buying tickets to shows, signing up to the mailing list, or becoming a ‘Friend’ of the theatre.
Memberships start at only £3.50 per month entitling cardholders to benefits such as discounts on drinks, priority booking and the chance to meet cast members.
To book tickets, guided tours and for more information visit broadwaytheatre.org.uk.
Pictured top: Lewisham councillor James J Walsh at the Broadway theatre in Catford (Picture: Lewisham council)